Saudi Arabia has said that pilgrims can expect an average high temperature of 44°C (or 111 degrees Fahrenheit) in Mecca during the Hajj pilgrimage this month.
"The expected climate for Hajj this year will witness an increase in average temperatures of one and a half to two degrees above normal in Mecca and Medina," National Meteorology Centre chief Ayman Ghulam said during a press conference on June 4.
He noted that the forecast indicates "relative humidity of 25 percent, rain rates close to zero, and an average maximum temperature of 44 degrees."
The Hajj, which begins on June 14, is one of Islam's five pillars and must be performed at least once by all Muslims who have the means to do so.
Last year, more than 1.8 million Muslims took part in the Hajj, during which over 2,000 people suffered heat stress as temperatures soared to 48°C (or 118 degrees Fahrenheit), according to official Saudi figures.
However, the actual number of heat stress cases — including heatstroke, exhaustion, cramps, and rashes — was likely much higher, as many sufferers were not admitted to hospitals or clinics.
This year's Hajj is expected to be the last official summer Hajj in Saudi Arabia as the annual pilgrimage starts almost a fortnight earlier each year following Islamic Hijri lunar calendar, which lasts 354 days.
Saudi Arabia has said that pilgrims can expect an average high temperature of 44°C (or 111 degrees Fahrenheit) in Mecca during the Hajj pilgrimage this month.
"The expected climate for Hajj this year will witness an increase in average temperatures of one and a half to two degrees above normal in Mecca and Medina," National Meteorology Centre chief Ayman Ghulam said during a press conference on June 4.
He noted that the forecast indicates "relative humidity of 25 percent, rain rates close to zero, and an average maximum temperature of 44 degrees."
The Hajj, which begins on June 14, is one of Islam's five pillars and must be performed at least once by all Muslims who have the means to do so.
Last year, more than 1.8 million Muslims took part in the Hajj, during which over 2,000 people suffered heat stress as temperatures soared to 48°C (or 118 degrees Fahrenheit), according to official Saudi figures.
However, the actual number of heat stress cases — including heatstroke, exhaustion, cramps, and rashes — was likely much higher, as many sufferers were not admitted to hospitals or clinics.
This year's Hajj is expected to be the last official summer Hajj in Saudi Arabia as the annual pilgrimage starts almost a fortnight earlier each year following Islamic Hijri lunar calendar, which lasts 354 days.
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